CHIAPAS

Chiapas Waterfalls
by Ron Mader

CHIAPAS WIKI

There is no competition among lighthouses.
- Collaboration Notebook

On the highway linking San Cristóbal de las Casas and Palenque, travelers will pass through cattle and coffee country. Between Ocosingo and Palenque, lie a series of impressive waterfalls, each attended to by a rural tourism association.

The first major town is Ocosingo, 86 kilometers (53 miles) from San Cristóbal and 95 kilometers (59 miles) from Palenque. According to Russell Greenberg, ornithologist and director of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, more than 140 species of birds have been found in the shaded, traditionally managed coffee farms of Ocosingo. In stark contrast, research done in other countries shows only five or six species inhabiting full-sun coffee fields.

Agua Azul National Park is located on Highway 199, 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of Palenque and 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Ocosingo. This national park was designated as such for its indescribable beauty. The falls are formed by the indigo-blue Yax River cascading down a staircase of 500 individual falls. There is a swimming area, and the water is warm. Be careful -- whirlpools and underwater currents can be fatal.

Agua Clara is a relatively new project, established in the summer of 1996, that seeks to restore former pasture and protect the existing forest. It lies just 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Agua Azul National Park and 58 kilometers (36 miles) west of Palenque. The ranch is right on the Shumulha River and is accessible from the highway to Ocosingo. Guests may rent kayaks and small boats to explore the river or trek 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) through the reserve to a quiet natural pool created by the confluence of the Tulija and Shumulha Rivers. Optional tours include horseback rides to the town of La Junta, where the Shumulha and Tulija Rivers join. You can also hire a guide for bird-watching.

The waterfalls at Misol-Ha are about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Palenque. They stand at an impressive 40 meters (131 feet) high. This location is less touristy than Agua Azul, but it's definitely not isolated. Watch your step on the slippery trail to the natural pool and falls. From a distance the mist generated from the waterfalls seems to hide the attraction from view, but you'll hear the roar of the falls. Amenities here include a restaurant and lodging.

VISITING?

LOCATION -- The waterfalls are located between San Cristóbal de las Casas and Palenque

TIPS -- If you're visiting the waterfalls, be sure to bring a bathing suit!

AUTHOR

Ron Mader is the ecotourism and responsible travel correspondent for Transitions Abroad and host of the award-winning Planeta.com website.

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